Tag Archives: Phil Stefani’s

June 20, 2012 · 8:16 pm

ALL EYES WERE ON MAMIE WALTON AT THE ILLINOIS EYE-BANK GALA!

…PLUS BETTY WHITE RULED THE NIGHT AT MBC, A NAVY PIER HOTSPOT FOR LOCALS!, GLAM LAUNCH PARTY (WATCH 312 VIDEO!), ZOO-OLOGIE BASH IS BACK, OLD TOWN ART FAIR (HIGHLIGHTS ON WATCH312!), SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SO MUCH MORE!

It’s not often that you feel transported to Britain here in the Windy City but this was the theme and the ambiance for the recent Illinois Eye-Bank Gala honoring Mamie Walton as the 2012 Woman of Vision and Dr. Joel Sugar as the Gift of Sight Honoree. (Joel has been the Illinois Eye-Bank’s Medical Director for 25 years.) The party, titled “Annabel’s: Indulge in London’s Veddy Best,” brought out more than 200 guests to the Peninsula on a perfect summer night. This hotel has one of the finest patios in town and when the weather is as flawless as it was on this night, no one wanted to move inside for dinner! Mamie Walton’s British roots made the party’s theme so appropriate for this magnetic and ageless woman. With décor by Tom Kehoe, the Grand Ballroom perfectly captured the look and feel of the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s, with purple linens, gold napkins and chairs and even a signature Annabel’s touch, a circular dance floor. This legendary club was founded in 1963 and named after the late Sir James Goldsmith’s wife, Annabel. It was the first of its kind – a members-only nightclub that catered to an exclusive clientele that included royals such as Princess Anne and the Prince of Wales, President Richard Nixon, Aristotle Onassis and Frank Sinatra. Entertainers who have performed there include Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and, most recently, Lady Gaga. On this night, we had our own top-notch entertainment with Mamie herself serenading us in song (“Time After Time”) in perfect pitch. As she glided around the dance floor in a glamorous vintage black Chanel cocktail dress, you felt like you were truly a lucky member of an exclusive club, the Mamie Walton Fan Club! Her dress, by the way, was worn 20 years ago to Annabel’s when she and her late husband, Julius, were in London. After dining out with friends, the Morales, they hit Annabel’s. He was the Ambassador for Great Britain to Panama at the time. The Mark Olen Trio performed and Franklin Lamphere sang three songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Master of Ceremonies was the incomparable Bill Zwecker who is a long-time friend of Mamie’s. Eye-Bank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth announced the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge education fund and acknowledged Amy Wimer. “Beverly looked for one person to carry that torch and it was Amy who chaired the event for the first three years.” Dr. Randy Epstein introduced Dr. Sugar and awarded him his honor. Bill introduced last year’s Woman of Vision honoree Jean Antoniou who proudly presented Mamie with her Woman of Vision Award to wild applause. Guests for the evening included Hazel and Warren Barr, Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Vonita Reescer, Myra and John Reilly, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Sherren Leigh, Tina and Jeff Weller, Ken Norgan, Maria Zec, Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Lynne Bredfeldt, Ray Drymalski, Dr. David Donnersberger, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Eileen and Howard Weinberg, David Brandt, Sheryl Dyer, Sean Eshaghy, Toni and Rick Canada, Heather Farley and Bruce Ingram, Tom Gorman, Linda and Mark Heister, Gregg Zgonena, Cynthia King and Rich Varnes, John Regas, Her Serene Highness Princess Anna Christina Radziwill (whose maternal aunt was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Stanley Paul, Karen and Peter Martino, Megan McKinney, Lynn and John McMahan, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Segesta, Bunky Cushing and Sherrill and John Bodine among many others. More than $80,000 was raised to help restore the sight to over 1,000 people each year throughout Illinois. Congrats to Mamie and Joel on their much deserved honors and to learn more about this worthy organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view more pics, please click here!)

It was one of those perfect nights in Chicago that we wait all winter for. Everyone was dressed in their best with smiles from ear to ear. If you live here, you know what I'm talkin' about. And it was on this night that a new, chic soon-to-be hotspot opened on Navy Pier called City Porch. I was proud to co-host the party with owner Manolis Alpogianis of America's Dog fame. He and his family have a long history of restaurant successes and this new spot will be yet another notch on their belts. For opening night, Chef Heather Terhune (Sable) featured some of her specialties. Every month, there will be a celeb
rity chef with Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) in July and in August, Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven and The Purple Pig) will be featuring his special menu. The menu under Executive Chef George Alpogianis (Manolis' cute brother) and Chef de Cuisine Anthony Riley has a variety of delicious selections in place under "Big, Small and Sweet Plates." For small plates, mouth-watering dishes like Moroccan buffalo wings, Wagyu beef sliders, Havarti mac & cheese, chicken souvlaki and hand-packed crab cakes are on the menu. Salad plates include a killer lobster avocado salad, heirloom tomato salad and chicken chopped salad. Big Plates offers some of the best margherita pizza I've tasted in a long, long time and the sandwich offerings are too extensive to mention! There is also a section for the little ones (whose menus I always covet) as well as fabulous sweets including Eli's Cheesecake, skillet cookies and chocolate peanut butter Napoleons! Designed by Gretchen Dockendorff (with input from Manolis) this new restaurant offers a chic dining experience looking over Lake Michigan and the skyline. It's charming yet upscale all at the same time. Chef Art Smith had this to say: “What I love about City Porch is the fact that it brings the best of Chicago to a very popular destination place, Navy Pier. Yes, there are funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc. but now, there are beautiful artisanal foods prepared by Chicago's very best. Our city has amazing chefs and thanks to Manolis Alpogianis and his family they will introduce this to thousands upon thousands of tourists at Navy Pier, too.” On opening night, bold-faced locals came out to play and party! Hopefully, I will see you on the City Porch soon – the Adirondack chairs arranged for fireworks viewing are genius! Watch for Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago" video coming soon!!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

On Friday evening, June 8th, hundreds of Chicago’s most fashionable and philanthropic joined together at the Greenhouse Loft (located at 2545 W. Diversey) for Macy’s Glamorama kickoff event, the Glam Launch Party! I was so proud to chair this event for the third year benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). The evening was a nod to the 60’s, coinciding with the 2012 Glamorama theme “British Invasion: The Music Then, The Fashion Now!” and featured the music of American English (who were just voted the top Beatles cover band in the country!) They kept the crowd dancing with rousing renditions of all of the Beatles classics along with a great DJ, Lee Michaels. At this exclusive event, guests mixed and mingled while sipping on cocktails courtesy of SkinnyGirl Cocktails (thanks for the introduction Tom Strehle!), Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Voga Wines, and enjoying passed appetizers from Food for Thought catering. Sweet treats were courtesy of our new sponsor, Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Chic Designs. Models, dispersed throughout the expansive space, showcased collections from local designers Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and M2f Brand Denims. The view of Chicago from the beautiful landscaped rooftop garden was a highlight and as guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco, other supporters were busy having their photos taken by on-site photog, Steve Ewert. Other highlights included a performance from the high-energy hip hop dance troop, Hip Hop Connixon, fashion illustrations by beloved Rosemary Fanti and the ever popular (and my favorite!) Action Booth that had lines all night long! Familiar faces spotted at the party included RMHC-CNI Chairman of the Board Paul Huebener and chic wife Rosanne, Macy’s Kamal Bosamia, Shops at Northbridge Marketing Manager Erica Strama, Glam Host Committee members Paul Iacono, Katie McLenaghan, Lynn McMahan, Quenten Schumacher, Michaela Parrillo, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Katie Cahnmann, Justin Jacobson, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Fabrice Calmels, publicist Kathleen Henson, Heather Farley, Stephanie Krol, Julianne Glatz, Joan Colmar, Helen Melchior, Corinne Melchior, Vonita Reescer, Erica Strama, Eric Himel, Tom Gorman, Dionne Williams, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph and Michelle Durpetti among many others! To purchase tickets to the MAIN EVENT, GLAMORAMA, featuring Robin Thicke and Karmin at the Harris Theater, please click here . And to see the fun on Watch312.com’s "Candid Candace Chicago," looky here! (Oh, and check out this gallery for more pics from Steve Starr and moi!)

The “Mob Wives Chicago” premier party for cast member Pia Rizza took place June 10th at JBar in The James hotel. Jennifer Graziano, creator of the “Mob Wives” franchise, was also there with more than 100 guests. According to the press release, “Pia Rizza is the daughter of Vincent Rizza, a dirty Chicago cop who worked for the Mob. He testified against the Mob and then went into the Witness Protection Program. Pia has struggled all her life to hide from the shame of having a ‘rat’ for a father. It’s been especially difficult to avoid the judgments and finger pointing in a town like Chicago. With the success of the original ‘Mob Wives NYC,’ it would only be a natural progression to feature women that were associated with the ‘alleged’ Chicago Outfit.” I haven’t seen it yet but will be on the lookout! Sadly, Lord knows, everywhere you go in the world, the first gesture is of a machine gun when you tell people you’re from Chicago.

The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo-ologie Gala was their biggest one yet, with 1,000 guests raising more than $150,000! Hosted by the Auxiliary Board and co-chaired by Frank Favia, Melissa Kearney and Jodi McNally, the sold-out event included gourmet food, signature drinks and exclusive after-hours access to Lincoln Park Zoo which is one of the nation’s last remaining free admission zoos in the world. Thanks to décor by Flower Firm, a luxury tent was reminiscent of a South Beach celebration with young, hip Chicagoans dancing to the beat of DJ Rock City and enjoying cutting edge cocktails. Nibbles were offered from some of Chicago’s best restaurants including GT Fish & Oyster and Mercadito. Luxury raffle winners took home incredible prizes: a Bulgari handbag, two round trip tickets to Europe courtesy of United Airlines and a custom Lilly Pulitzer bicycle. Seen on the scene were Ryan Chiaverini, emcee Billy Dec, Café Spiaggia Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, LPZ President and CEO Kevin Bell, Rockit Ranch’s Arturo Gomez and Akira’s Jon Cotay among many others. (Photos by Jaclyn Simpson Photography.)

I met Karen Wojcikowski at Gene & Georgetti’s and I think she is someone you should know. She is the founder and president of The Bully Police Squad, an organization she created after receiving numerous cases of reported bullying, many of which have involved death. Karen, a Chicago police officer with 15 years of service, is a life coach and public speaker, speaking to schools, parents, teachers and children on the effects of bullying and educates them in the process. She hopes to establish a national hotline for bullying victims and parents and is in the process of writing her first book, “Stop the Bull.” To learn more about the Bully Police Squad and how you can help, please click here or call their 24-hour toll-free number at 800-914-1873 and don’t worry, they never let any call go unanswered. Great job Karen and congrats! (Karen is in the process of completing her Master’s at Penn State University.) Hello, Chicago Tribune! I have a Remarkable Woman candidate for YOU!

The 63rd Annual Old Town Art Fair was one of the best ones yet! We live in the heart of Old Town and every year, I can’t wait to hear the little hammers hard at work outside my door with artists building their booths for one of the largest juried art fairs in the country! With 300 artists participating this year and more than 50 private gardens open to the public, many for the first time, this was a weekend to remember. There was great festival food from Adobo Grill, Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, Phil Stefani’s, Caroll’s Corn Crib and more. Music by Brad Cole Music and Check With Lucy made the weekend simply perfect! It was pretty awesome people watching, too! Check out this Watch312.com video and see what I mean!

The Museum of Broadcast Communications celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 12th. More than 400 guests came out to see legends of television including Betty White, Hugh Downs and John Mahoney at the MBC’s new location at 360 N. State, which also served as its unofficial grand opening. (The official ribbon cutting occurred the following morning.) With 62,000 square feet, this building houses the National Radio Hall of Fame, sets and costumes from “Bozo’s Circus,” puppets such as Charlie McCarthys, vintage radios and TVs, one of the cameras used in the Kennedy-Nixon debate, a former “Meet the Press” set and a studio dedicated to Paul and Angel Harvey among many other objects of interest. Collections span more than 25,000 TV programs, 5,000 radio shows and 12,000 commercials totalling almost 100,000 hours of viewing. The evening began with a welcome from founder, president and CEO Bruce Dumont followed by comments from Richard Price (event co-chair and chairman and CEO of Mesirow), Pam Cullerton (event co-chair/civic leader) and Cheryl Pearson-McNeil (SVP of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen). Hugh Downs spoke next and recounted his first TV appearance: “It was 67 years ago and my first spot was in September of 1945. I was asked to do a newscast. The lights began to heat up and by the end of it, sweat was all over my seersucker suit, which I thought was a good thing because it kept me from catching fire.” (He also went on to say that, “The really innovative stuff came out of Chicago.”) John Mahoney introduced Betty White as “one of the most talented people in the world.” She quipped, “Boy, have I got YOU fooled!” and went on to say, “I’ve lusted after him for so long and he finally did my show. And it STILL didn’t happen.” (I whispered to Betty that she was the only woman I knew who could cuss like a trooper and still be elegant! Her smile was from ear to ear…LOVE that lady!) Lucky guests included Keith Magee (my sweet host), Carol Marin, Dan Rutherford, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Marty Wilke, Joe Ahern, Dean Richards, Terry Hemmert, Rich Koz, Theresa Gutierrez, Lyn McKeaney, Rob Johnson, Brenda Arelano, Steve Starr, Kathy Brock, Barb and Roe Conn, Thea Flom, Mancow, Pat Brickhouse, Roderick Hawkins, Melissa Kennedy, Alan Krashesky, Paul Harvey Jr., Toby Eveland, Caroline Cracraft, Stephen Lewis and Alonzo Brown among others. For more info, please visit www.museum.tv. (Pics by Steve Starr and moi…view more here!)

That’s all for this week! Hope you enjoyed the Style Network’s second "Chicagolicious" show Monday night – I know I sure did!!! May your flowers not wilt and may the force of summer be with you!!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Click here for a story that will make you go "awwwwwwww!"

FLEUROTICA: GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY’S FLOWER-FILLED & FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER

…PLUS ALLIUM’S OPENING (REALLY THIS TIME, NO KIDDING!), JOFFREY’S GRAND GALA, KELSEY GRAMMER’S HUGO HONOR, BEBE’S FIRST BRIDAL SHOP, EVENING IN BLOOM, BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUTS, COMMON THREADS’ COME PAINT IT BLACK TIE GALA, “ROUTE 66” FLOWER POWER, MERCHANDISE MART’S GLOBAL ANTIQUE SHOW AND TWO NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS!

If you missed this year’s fourth annual Fleurotica Fashion Show, please put it on your calendars NOW for next year! I’ve never seen anything quite like this show which benefitted Garfield Park Conservatory with all of the designs created from flowers, leaves, moss and any other type of plant material imaginable. The backstage action was almost as exciting as the runway with designers scrambling to get the last petal glued on before the show began. I loved seeing the stunning wedding gown floating down the runway by Flower Petal. The Virgin Mary was certainly a show-stopper too with the model clasping her hands in prayer before she walked off the stage. And the tulip skirt was too darling for words by Whole Food Market South Loop. But I’m getting ahead of myself…the cocktail reception was delightful, too, with some of the best food tastings I’ve sampled in a long, long time. Marcello’s served turkey, artichoke and sun-dried tomato paninis. Phil Stefani’s was dishing out delicious Korean noodles with bok choy and mushrooms in a soy-ginger sauce. Kenmare Catering couldn’t keep the blue shrimp coming fast enough! One of the highlights was Goose Island’s clever food and beer pairings: Pulled pork was infused with their latest brew called Pepe Nero and salmon was soaked in Sofie beer. Beyond Events was serving six kinds of bruschetta and Wishbone Restaurant had a line every time I looked so I’m not sure what they were serving! A five-piece band, Visions, played while guests perused the extensive silent auction offerings. Soon, we were all summoned to the second level of Venue One where the show was about to begin. Participating designers included Flower Child, A Stem Above, Zuzu’s Petals, Ildiko Phillips Designs, Natural Beauties Florals, Luxe Floral Chicago, Flower Petal, Anna Held, Scarlet Petal, Blumgarten & Co., Stem Line, Green Jean’s and Whole Foods Market South Loop. Even real life fashion designer Peach Carr showed a stunning creation titled “Driving Miss Daisy” to wild applause, with styling and makeup by AJ’s Salon (who was there filming his “Chicagolicious” reality show). Judging was difficult with all of the breathtaking designs but Borris P
owell, Dennis Remer, Christy Webby and Adam Schwerner seemed to have a lot of fun doing it and awarded “Best in Show” to Blumgarten & Co.’s Lance Larsen. Darling LeeAnn Trotter (NBC 5 entertainment reporter) returned as emcee this year and did a great job, of course! Who doesn’t love LeeAnn?! She introduced the president of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Eunita Rushing, who reminded us that all proceeds from this event will help to rebuild the roof of the Conservatory which was damaged by a freak hailstorm last summer. (Sixty percent of the roof was destroyed in the Fern Room, Show House and Desert House.) There was also a live auction that included a Jamaican getaway that sold for $2,500, a Chicago Stay-Cation that sold for $1,750, and a Taste of Chicago package and a yacht experience that included dinner for eight – all included in the more than $80,000 that was raised for the Conservatory. Opened in 1908 and designed by noted landscape architect Jens Jensen, the Garfield Park Conservatory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please see my fun Watch312.com video below and to see ALL event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here! (For more info, please visit www.garfieldconcervatory.org.)

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The recent grand opening party for the new Allium restaurant attracted an overflow crowd of 600 foodies and fashionistas to the seventh floor of the Four Seasons recently. Host for the night was funnyman Jeff Garlin (see our interview on Watch312.com below). This American restaurant with a farm-to-table menu is by Chef Kevin Hickey whose inspiration was his multi-cultural neighborhood in Chicago where he grew up. The menu features Tallgrass beef (in a brilliant collaboration with CBS’ Bill Kurtis), game bird sausage, suckling pig flat bread, Wagyu beef short-rib sliders, bison tartare, Chicago-style hotdogs, Wisconsin walleye, chorizo cheese chips, oysters, lamb neck agnolotti and crab fritters to name just a few of the delicious offerings. Allium, a name derived from Latin origins, meaning “onion,” pays homage to Chicago whose name comes from the Native American “Shikaakwa” or “wild onion.” The restaurant’s beverage program also echoes the restaurant’s commitment to American artisan producers. The beer list is strictly Midwestern, including the limited-release Allium Roseus, a Belgian red ale created by Chef Hickey and Goose Island’s head brewer, Jared Rouben. The entire renovation of the Four Seasons by Brayton Hughes is one of relaxed elegance with artwork fit for a museum including several Warhols. It’s a must-go! I was proud to be a co-host along with Monika Dixon, Toni Canada, Alexis Cozzini, Vince Anzalone, Lonnie Rodriguez, Jerry Azumah and Susanna Negovan. I hope you enjoy my Watch312.com video of this fabulous night in Chicago! (For more info, please visit www.alliumchicago.com and to see ALL event photos, please click here!)

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I am so excited to share the news about this year’s Joffrey Ballet Celebration Gala on Sunday, May 6th at the historic Palmer House Hilton, located at17 E. Monroe. This year’s event will be a tribute to the Joffrey’s dynamic Women’s Board who have raised a staggering $16 million in ten years for the Joffrey, making them the largest single contributor to this organization! The night will begin with a special performance at the Auditorium Theatre beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Afterwards, trolleys will whisk guests to the Palmer House where a cocktail reception will begin in the State Ballroom around 7:30 p.m. The Rich Daniels Orchestra will provide elegant background music to start our evening off in style. A special commemorative tribute video will be presented by co-chair Donna LaPietra of Kurtis Productions with a very clever surprise thrown in. The Arpino Angel Awards will be given to the producers of the film “Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance” and they include Jay Alix, Una Jackman and Erica and Harold Ramis. And for the first time, we are partnering with the Joffrey Auxiliary Board for an exciting “Grand Finale” party in the Empire Room. For this part of the evening (starting at 8 p.m.), tickets will be sold online ($95) and also sold at the entrance ($110) and will include a DJ, fun food, raffle prizes and more. If you buy your ticket for the Grand Finale party online, you can also see the performance! I hope I will see ALL of you there! For Gala tickets/info and Grand Finale tickets/info, please click here! (I am thrilled to be a chair along with Helen Melchior. Our co-chairs are Joan Colmar, Mary Jo Basler, Donna LaPietra, Leslie Hindman, Jan Melk, Mary Pat Burns, Victoria Holdren, Pamella Roland DeVos, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer, Liz Sharp, Kate Benson and Anne Kaplan.)

Chicago’s springtime coming out party, “An Evening in Bloom,” previewed at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show on March 9th at Navy Pier. Twenty-five stylized gardens were featured this year with proceeds benefitting Chicago Gateway Green and Friends of the Parks. In keeping with this night’s theme, which reflected the influence of fashion and design in floral, plant and landscape creations, models strolled through the show wearing new creations by local young designers from the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Cast members from the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives” had a featured garden in the show and greeted guests as they sampled fine wines and hors d’oeuvres from Harry Caray’s, Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop and Cyrano’s Bistrot Wine Bar, among others. Highlights from this year’s show featured a White House vegetable garden and a lifestyle rooftop garden. Co-chairs for this night were Lee and Sandy Golub. If you missed this delightful show that serves as our harbinger of spring, be sure to mark your calendars for next year!

Don’t miss bebe’s first bridal salon in the U.S. at 109 E. Oak St.! Designer Rami Kashou (a “Project Runway” finalist and “All-Star” contestant) created a collection that covers all price points and is modern, glamorous and feminine. His exquisite couture styling uses luxurious fabrics such as silk taffeta, silk stain, charmeuse, georgette, organza and chiffon to offer something for even the most finicky bride-to-be! I interviewed him for an upcoming new segment on Watch312.com called “Candid Candace Recommends” and you will soon see why! (I will also be offering a $150 gift certificate for our Watch312 VIP Club in the segment so please look for it!) 🙂

Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival will present actor Kelsey Grammer, currently starring in STARZ’ hit show, “Boss,” with the Career Achievement Award at the 48th Hugo Television Awards Ceremony on April 19th at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Hosts will be Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini of "Windy City Live." Best known for his award-winning role as Dr. Frasier Crane, among countless other roles, the evening’s tribute to actor/producer/director Kelsey Grammer will include highlights from his illustrious television career in addition to the Career Achievement Award presentation. Grammer has won four Emmys, two Golden Globes, a SAG Award, an unparalleled 16 Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations, 16 SAG nominations and NOW a Hugo! Awards will also be presented to the year’s winning television commercials and productions, as well as the Commitment to Excellence Award to OPTIMUS. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.chicagofilmfestival.com or by calling 312-683-0121.

“Come Paint it Black Tie” on Thursday, May 3rd, for Common Threads' elegant benefit as they merge classic rock ‘n’ roll vibes (music by JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound) with an upscale black-tie dinner created by some of the nation's finest celebrity chefs. Culinary rock star chefs Jose Garces, Bill Telepan, Paul Kahan, Marc Vetri, Jared Van Camp and Michael Laiskonis will serve an iconic menu at Chicago’s newest hotspot, Nellcôte, located at 833 W. Randolph. Chef Jared Van Camp and his Element Collective team created Nellcôte, a mirror of Villa Nellcôte, an ornate 16-room mansion on the waterfront of Ville Franche-sur-Mer in the Côte d'Azur region of southern France. The evening’s theme originated from the Rolling Stones album “Exile on Main Street,” which was recorded at the villa during the summer of 1971. Come join CT’s Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salguiero along with Executive Director Linda O’Keefe as they take you on another exciting culinary journey to benefit Common Threads! (For more info and tickets, please click here!)

The International Antiques Fair is coming back to town on April 27th with more than 100 dealers from around the world! The Private Preview Party will kick-off this event which runs through April 30th at the Merchandise Mart from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event will benefit the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and will feature live music, refreshments and early bird shopping. For more info and tickets, please click here.

The Garden Guild of Winnetka will host “Route 66 – A Garden Club of America Flower Show” on May 16th and 17th. The show will interpret this iconic piece of American history with floral designs, horticulture and photography. More than 75 entries from the Garden Guild and other GCA clubs will incorporate a theme of the historic Route 66 highway, also known as America’s Main Street. Built in the late 1920’s, this highway stretched from downtown Chicago more than 2,000 miles westward to California. To “get your kicks,” please click here.

And now for some birthday wishes! Man-about-town with a real job, Paul Iacono, celebrated his birthday on March 29th, with an intimate dinner for friends at RPM Italian Restaurant. Guest Rachel Schwanz of The Entertaining Company did an outstanding job of decorating the private room with beautiful flowers and candlelight much to the delight of Gayle and Jim Anthony, Saira and Chris Cooper, Rhonda Sanderson (who was also celebrating a birthday), William Holdeman, Jennifer Sutton, Cindy Burns, Paul’s sweet dad Ralph Iacono, Monika and Geoff Dixon, Eva Pawlus, Diana Iacono and Cadey and Andrew Hershoff. May it never end, Paul! 🙂 (To see ALL party pics, please click here!)

Another birthday shout-out goes to the ageless, beloved and beautiful Hedwig Golant! Her unique party was held at Ten Pin, where guests tested their bowling skills…some were good, some not so good but everyone had a great time! Love you, Hedwig!

Dear friend and all-around terrific designer, Peach Carr, needs your help! Please tweet and Facebook your friends and ask them to help make her a “Project Runway All-Star” for next season. She sure deserves it! Please vote here, it’s so easy!

WHEW, that’s a lot of news this week! I hope you’re all enjoying the first signs of spring and that you will visit me again next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Don’t miss designers Omar Villalobos and Gordana Rasic’s fall/winter fashion show, “The Elegance of Maturity” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 13th at Room 1520, located at 1520 W. Fulton. Both emerging designers have shown during NY Fashion Week and are officially launching their collection here in Chicago! A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Arts of Life. For tickets and more info, please click here! Congrats, Omar and Gordana!